Non-invasive in vivo imaging and methods for treating type I diabetes

Abstract

The present invention provides novel drug discovery platforms and methods for treating diabetes.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method for drug development comprising
 (a) engrafting target cells into the eye of a test animal, wherein one or more cellular component of therapeutic interest in the transplanted target cells are fluorescently labeled;   (b) contacting the target cells with one or more test compounds; and   (c) performing non-invasive fluorescent imaging on the eye of the test animal, wherein the target cells are imaged through the cornea without removing the target cells from the eye,   wherein the fluorescent imaging is used to detect test compound-induced changes within individual engrafted target cells, wherein the changes identify those test compounds that may provide a therapeutic benefit to the target cells.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the target cells are derived from tissue selected from the group consisting of endocrine, fat, muscle, brain, liver, heart, kidney, and lung. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the target cells are transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye of the test animal. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more test compounds are applied topically onto the eye of the test animal. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the one or more test compounds are injected into the anterior chamber of the eye of the test animal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fluorescent imaging comprises laser-scanning microscopy. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the fluorescent imaging is used to detect test compound-induced changes in signal-transduction in the engrafted target cells. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the target cells comprise pancreatic beta cells. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more cellular component of therapeutic interest comprise calcium ions, and wherein the changes in signal-transduction comprise changes in intracellular calcium concentration. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more cellular component of therapeutic interest comprise calcium ions, and wherein the test compound-induced changes comprise changes in intracellular calcium concentration. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the target cells comprise pancreatic beta cells. 
     
     
         12 . The method of claim  19  wherein the target cells comprise pancreatic beta cells. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the target cells comprise pancreatic beta cells.